In order to understand mechanisms driving the biological-carbon pump (BCP), we must observe temporal variability of deep-carbon export, especially the episodic high-flux events not currently captured in global carbon models. This effort requires instrumentation that can measure sinking material at high temporal resolution, over long durations. The Sedimentation Event Sensor (SES) is a low-power, long-endurance optical sediment trap capable of sustaining these observations, and additionally is able to trigger other nearby instruments using acoustic modems. We deployed the SES as a bottom lander at a depth of 900 m on the Monterey Accelerated Research System (California, USA, 2023), sampling five-minute-long collections, three times an hour for five months to document natural variability in particle flux, and develop autonomous on-board “high-flux event detection” and remote-triggering capability. Automated image analysis was used to evaluate changes in particle attributes, including particle-flux area, particle ID, and light attenuance (a proxy for carbon flux). Signal analysis was used in conjunction with data from current meters deployed nearby to parse out the separate contributions of resuspension and surface-derived material to particle flux, and identify any consistent, predictable patterns. These efforts will be used to parameterize autonomous detection of episodic high-flux events that depart from low-level background flux, and then trigger other instruments to wake up and start their missions. These advancements work toward more strategic use of power-hungry autonomous instrumentation needed to evaluate numerous possible drivers and ecological impacts of high-flux events.